Harries set for Commonwealth Youth Games

FOR 16-year-old Toby Harries a change of sporting direction has paid dividends.

The Littlehampton youngster will be part of the Great Britain team competiting at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

Harries will be running in the 200 metre race in the event which takes from September 5-11.

The competiton will provide Harries with a massive change after he switched to athletics from rugby.

Harries played rugby for South East England but decided he wanted a change and that now looks to have paid off.

Speaking ahead of the games Harries said: “It was a massive change of direction for me, going from rugby to athletics, but I love running and I feel that I am progressing well.

“ I am receiving the best coaching and training and feel confident heading into the games and it should be a great event for all.

“I have had a lot of support from Team England, we all have, and we are delighted with our kit, the travel arrangement and really can’t wait to get over there and settle into camp.

“Being on an international stage, in a multi-sport environment is a massive learning curve and being so new to the sport, I am lucky to be selected so need to make sure I focus, as it will prove vital for my progression as an athlete.”

This will be the fifth Commonwealth Youth Games and will take place in the Samoan capital of Apia.

Great Britain have been part of all five games and have never finished outside the top-three in the final medals table.

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